Lot 88
Pre-Columbian, Peru, Moche, ca. 100 to 800 CE. A pair of terracotta figural rattle sculptures, each designed with hollow bodies containing interior pellets that still produce a light sound when shaken. The taller figure represents a male, depicted upright with feet firmly planted, hands clasped at the chest, and clad in a long tunic with raised vertical bands. A broad collar with geometric details adorns the neckline, while large circular ear ornaments and a red cap emphasize his elite status within Moche society. The companion figure portrays a nude female, modeled with rounded proportions, articulated limbs, and delineated genitalia. Like the male, she wears earspools and a cap, and her hands are held to the chest in a mirrored ritual pose. The expressive facial features, with wide eyes and prominent nose, reflect the distinctive style of Moche figural ceramics. Size of larger: 2.8" L x 4.7" W x 7.8" H (7.1 cm x 11.9 cm x 19.8 cm)
Moche rattle figures such as these were closely tied to ritual and performance, their sound enlivening ceremonies and reinforcing the symbolic presence of the human form. The pairing of male and female figures underscores themes of duality, fertility, and balance, while their survival as functional rattles offers a rare, tangible connection to the performative aspect of Moche ritual life.
Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; previously bequeathed to the Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem, Israel, stored for many years and exhibited in 1988; ex-Yosef A. Maiman collection, Consul of Peru A.H., acquired in 1993; ex-Kate Kemper collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1940s or earlier
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#197057
- Condition: Larger has had head reattached with chipping and some losses along visible break line, as well as stable fissures in areas. More petite figure has some repair and restoration with repainting in areas; also chipping to nose and ear spool. Both have expected surface wear commensurate with age. Otherwise, both present very nicely with good remaining detail. Each still produce a light rattling sound.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
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